BS EN 50575:2014+A1:2016

What is BS EN 50575 - Cables for construction works about ? 

BS EN 50575 is a European Standard that discusses power, control and communication cables. 

BS EN 50575 specifies reaction to fire performance requirements, test and assessment methods for electric cables used for the supply of electricity and for control and communication purposes, which are intended for use in construction works and subject to performance requirements on reaction to fire. 

The cables covered by BS EN 50575 are intended to be used for the supply of electricity and communications in buildings and other civil engineering works with the objective of limiting the generation and spread of fire and smoke. 

Cables intended to be used for the supply of electricity, communication, and fire detection and alarm in buildings and other civil engineering works where it is essential to assure the continuity of power and/or signal supply of safety installations such as alarm, way guidance and fire fighting installations are not covered by BS EN 50575. 

Note: This European Standard does not replace the electrical, mechanical, and environmental requirements that are essential to demonstrate compliance with other applicable cable standards/specifications 

Who is BS EN 50575 - Cables for construction works for ? 

BS EN 50575 on communication cables for construction works is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers of cables  
• Manufacturers of signalling and control equipment 
• Telecommunication industry 
• Construction companies 
• Contractors 
• Electrical and civil engineers 
• Regulatory authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 50575 - Cables for construction works ? 

Communication cables are an assembly of suitably insulated coaxial conductors or twisted pairs of insulated conductors fabricated to meet transmission, mechanical and environmental requirements, and sufficient to allow conveyance of information between two points with the minimum of radiation.  

BS EN 50575 covers: 

• Power cables – insulated conductors and cables for use in, e.g. the supply of electricity 
• Control and communication cables – wires, symmetric cables, and coaxial cables with metallic conductors for use in, e.g. telecommunication, data transmission, radio frequency, video communication and signalling and control equipment 
• Optical fibre cables – for use in, e.g. telecommunication, data transmission, radio frequency, video communication and signalling and control equipment 

BS EN 50575 gives the reference to the European Standard containing the test methods to be used for the corresponding reaction to fire class. 

BS EN 50575 walks you through product characteristics, test methods for reaction to fire classes and best industry guidance on assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP). 

Overall, BS EN 50575 can help demonstrate the performance, reliability and quality of communication, power and control cables used for construction works, ensuring that they play a positive role in the event of a fire outbreak. Thus, you can maintain the structural integrity of building materials and elements.